The Pucking Proposal Summary, Characters and Themes
The Pucking Proposal by Lauren Landish is a contemporary romance novel that explores the evolving relationship between Joy Barlowe, a determined sports reporter, and Dalton Days, a professional hockey player. The story is laced with humor, tension, and deep emotional exploration as the two navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other.
At its heart, the book delves into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the struggle between desire and emotional connection. Dalton and Joy’s unconventional and initially physical relationship evolves into something deeper, challenging their own fears and vulnerabilities, as they grapple with personal and professional pressures.
Summary
The Pucking Proposal follows the intertwined lives of Joy Barlowe, a sports reporter for the Maple Creek Moose, and Dalton Days, a goalie for the team, whose personal lives and careers collide in unexpected ways. Dalton, nearing the end of his hockey career, is constantly battling the pressure of age and his dwindling chances to make it to the NHL.
His personal life is just as chaotic, as he struggles with his reputation as a playboy and a series of superstitions that have become central to his performance. One of these involves a strange pre-game ritual: Dalton believes showing Joy his penis before each game brings him good luck.
This bizarre superstition, while initially focusing on a physical connection, gradually grows into a deep and emotionally complex bond between them.
Joy, on the other hand, is determined to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field, navigating her career while simultaneously dealing with the complexities of her family. Her brother, Shepherd, is a star player for the Moose, which complicates her professional role.
Initially resistant to Dalton’s charm and antics, Joy finds herself increasingly drawn to him. However, she has a strict “no athletes” rule, stemming from a past experience that left her emotionally scarred.
Despite her best efforts to keep their relationship light and free of attachment, the chemistry between them proves undeniable.
Dalton’s career is faltering, and his internal struggles about his aging body and his place in the team only intensify as he becomes more involved with Joy. The two engage in a series of nightly FaceTime calls where they share their intimate rituals, which slowly blur the line between sexual release and a deeper connection.
Joy becomes conflicted as her feelings for Dalton evolve, especially as jealousy begins to seep into her interactions with him, particularly when Dalton is seen with other women.
Despite the growing attraction between them, both characters are hesitant to acknowledge the depth of their feelings. Dalton, accustomed to being emotionally distant and treating relationships casually, struggles to reconcile his playboy persona with the genuine connection he feels toward Joy.
Meanwhile, Joy continues to build walls around her heart, reminding herself that she must maintain emotional distance, no matter how much she wants to let go.
The dynamics between them shift during a local Fall Festival, where Dalton’s fame and the attention of other women exacerbate Joy’s feelings of jealousy. In a moment of frustration, Joy confronts Dalton, revealing her vulnerabilities.
Their interaction that night marks a turning point in their relationship, as they begin to acknowledge the depth of their feelings, even if neither is ready to fully embrace it.
As their relationship develops, Dalton faces challenges with his best friend, Shep, whose growing discomfort with Dalton’s involvement with Joy adds further strain to the dynamic. Dalton’s need for companionship becomes more apparent, and Joy, despite her emotional reservations, begins to see him in a different light.
They spend more time together, sharing their insecurities and fears, and their physical bond deepens into something more emotionally significant.
In a key moment, Dalton shows a more vulnerable side when he participates in a Pilates session with Joy, signaling his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone for the sake of their connection. While Joy remains cautious, her internal conflict intensifies as she realizes she is emotionally invested in their relationship.
Dalton’s persistence and openness with her challenge her guarded approach to intimacy, and she begins to question whether she can continue to keep him at arm’s length.
Throughout their interactions, the tension between the desire for physical connection and the need for emotional intimacy grows. Both Joy and Dalton struggle with their insecurities, but the emotional walls they’ve built slowly begin to crumble.
The emotional rollercoaster continues as Joy confronts past trauma, including trust issues stemming from a previous boyfriend, Buchanan. Her fears of abandonment and betrayal resurface when she overhears a conversation suggesting that Dalton may be involved with another woman.
This revelation causes her to spiral, testing the strength of her relationship with Dalton.
Dalton, despite his own internal turmoil, stands by Joy through the emotional chaos, proving his commitment and love. As they work through their issues, both personal and relational, Joy begins to realize that her fears are rooted in past experiences, not in Dalton’s character.
With Dalton’s patience and understanding, she slowly learns to trust again.
A pivotal moment comes when Joy confesses her love for Dalton, and he reciprocates, solidifying their emotional bond. The chapter closes with a sense of reconciliation, as they share a deep connection both emotionally and physically.
This moment of mutual vulnerability signals the beginning of a new phase in their relationship, where trust, love, and commitment replace the casual nature of their previous interactions.
As the story concludes, Joy and Dalton find strength in each other, overcoming the insecurities and fears that had initially held them back. They navigate the complexities of their careers and personal lives, with Dalton’s hockey career in its twilight and Joy’s professional path steadily rising.
Together, they build a future based on mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and love. The book ends on a hopeful note, as they both embrace their vulnerabilities and look forward to a life together, free from the emotional walls they once built around themselves.
Characters
Dalton Days
Dalton Days, the 30-year-old goalie for the Maple Creek Moose, is a complex character driven by both ambition and personal insecurity. His career as an athlete is in its twilight, and with his chances of making it to the NHL slipping away, Dalton is under immense pressure to perform at his best.
This pressure leads him to adopt a fiercely dedicated, almost obsessive approach to his training, determined to prove his worth despite his age. Despite his tough exterior and dedication to his sport, Dalton is haunted by self-doubt, especially as he faces the reality of his fading career.
He is often portrayed as a stereotypical “player,” with a reputation for being emotionally detached and promiscuous. However, as the narrative unfolds, Dalton’s character reveals more depth.
His initial aloofness hides a vulnerability that emerges as he forms an unexpected bond with Joy. His relationship with Joy challenges the image he has carefully crafted over the years, and he begins to question his emotional capacity and what he truly wants from a relationship.
His superstition surrounding intimacy is a key part of his character, showing his need for control and belief in rituals, but it also highlights his emotional isolation. As he becomes more entwined with Joy, Dalton’s internal conflicts grow, and his gradual transformation from a detached playboy to someone seeking real emotional connection is central to the development of his character.
Joy Barlowe
Joy Barlowe is a strong-willed, independent sports reporter who faces challenges both in her professional career and in her personal life. As the only female reporter for the Maple Creek Moose, she is constantly battling to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry.
Joy’s professionalism and dedication to her work often conflict with her personal life, especially as her relationship with Dalton becomes more complicated. Initially, she keeps her emotional distance from Dalton, having learned from past experiences to avoid becoming entangled with athletes.
Her painful past, marked by betrayal and emotional scars, makes her wary of trusting men, particularly those who embody the “player” stereotype that Dalton represents. Despite her best efforts to maintain control, Joy is drawn to Dalton in ways she doesn’t fully understand.
Their interactions, filled with both humor and tension, gradually break down the walls she has built around herself. As their relationship deepens, Joy begins to confront her own emotional vulnerabilities, struggling with her growing feelings for Dalton while trying to protect her heart.
Her character is shaped by her fears of abandonment and betrayal, stemming from past trauma, which she must confront if she is to fully embrace the possibility of love with Dalton. Joy’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust not only Dalton but also herself, recognizing her own worth and her ability to love without the fear of being hurt.
Shepherd Barlowe
Shepherd Barlowe, Joy’s protective older brother, plays a significant role in the dynamics between Joy and Dalton. Initially, Shepherd is wary of Dalton and his intentions toward his sister, especially when he becomes aware of the relationship.
His protective instincts are triggered by Dalton’s reputation as a “player,” and he feels the need to safeguard Joy from potential heartache. Shepherd’s relationship with Dalton is strained at first, as he struggles to come to terms with the growing bond between his sister and the hockey player.
However, as the story progresses, Shepherd’s character evolves. He begins to understand that Dalton’s feelings for Joy are genuine, and his initial anger and disapproval give way to a more supportive role.
Shepherd’s journey mirrors Joy’s in some ways, as he too must learn to let go of his protective instincts and trust that his sister can make her own choices. His acceptance of Dalton is a gradual process, and his character highlights themes of familial loyalty, protection, and the challenge of allowing loved ones to navigate their own relationships.
Shepherd’s growth is key to the resolution of the tension between Dalton and Joy, as he eventually becomes a supporter of their relationship.
Fritzi
Fritzi, the head trainer for the Maple Creek Moose, serves as a grounding force in Dalton’s life. While he plays a relatively minor role in the larger narrative, Fritzi’s character is important in providing perspective and advice to Dalton.
As a no-nonsense trainer, Fritzi pushes Dalton to take care of his body and not overextend himself, especially as Dalton grapples with the physical demands of his aging career. Fritzi’s blunt but caring attitude contrasts with Dalton’s often emotionally distant behavior, offering a reminder to Dalton that his well-being extends beyond the rink.
While Fritzi doesn’t get deeply involved in Dalton’s personal life, his interactions with the protagonist are important in highlighting the physical strain Dalton faces and the reality of the sacrifices he must make to stay competitive. Fritzi represents the pragmatic side of Dalton’s world, urging him to balance his dedication with self-care, a theme that resonates throughout Dalton’s internal struggle.
Mollie
Mollie, a cheerleader, introduces a moment of tension in Joy and Dalton’s relationship when she is rumored to be involved with Dalton in an affair. Her brief appearance in the story serves as a catalyst for Joy’s emotional conflict, as the rumors stir up insecurities and fears from her past.
Mollie is an embodiment of the external pressures and distractions that threaten Joy and Dalton’s budding relationship. Her character, though not deeply developed, acts as a foil to the connection between Dalton and Joy, highlighting the complexities of trust, jealousy, and vulnerability that they must navigate.
Mollie’s role is pivotal in pushing Joy to confront her own feelings of jealousy and betrayal, adding depth to the emotional landscape of the story.
Themes
Emotional Vulnerability and Intimacy
In The Pucking Proposal, the complex and evolving relationship between Dalton and Joy highlights the theme of emotional vulnerability and intimacy. Initially, both characters keep their emotions at arm’s length, with Dalton using his superstition-driven rituals as a way to shield himself from deeper emotional connection.
Joy, on the other hand, guards her heart due to past betrayals and trauma. As the story progresses, the two characters are forced to confront their vulnerabilities.
Dalton’s growing attachment to Joy challenges his playboy persona, and his internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with feelings he’s never allowed himself to experience. Joy, too, finds herself entangled in a relationship she never intended to pursue, struggling with her desire for Dalton while also protecting herself from potential heartbreak.
The pregame ritual they share becomes a metaphor for their evolving relationship—what begins as a superficial and seemingly casual arrangement transforms into something much deeper. As they move beyond physical intimacy, their connection grows emotionally, revealing the layers of fear, insecurity, and longing beneath their bravado.
The intimacy they develop goes beyond their ritualistic exchanges, eventually unfolding into a relationship where both characters learn to trust each other with their vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the theme of emotional vulnerability shows how love can thrive when two people are brave enough to share their true selves, despite the fear of being hurt.
Trust and Insecurity
Trust is a cornerstone of The Pucking Proposal, particularly as Joy navigates her deep-seated insecurities from past relationships and trauma. Her initial reluctance to trust Dalton stems from painful experiences, especially with a previous boyfriend who betrayed her.
This mistrust is further complicated by a conversation she overhears about Dalton and another woman, which causes her to spiral emotionally. For Joy, trusting Dalton feels like a significant risk, one she is not sure she’s ready to take after years of being emotionally hurt.
However, Dalton’s consistent patience and understanding gradually work to heal her wounds. He proves that his love for her is genuine and not fleeting, despite her fears of abandonment.
The relationship challenges both characters to overcome their individual insecurities—Dalton, struggling with his aging career and fading relevance, and Joy, grappling with her fear of vulnerability and emotional exposure. Through the ups and downs, they learn to let go of their defenses and build a foundation of mutual trust.
This theme underscores the importance of trust in relationships and the process of overcoming personal fears and baggage in order to fully embrace love and connection.
Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance
The theme of personal growth is central to the story of The Pucking Proposal. As the relationship between Joy and Dalton evolves, both characters experience significant self-reflection and growth.
Dalton, particularly, faces the reality of his aging career and the fading opportunities to make it to the NHL. His journey involves not only confronting his personal insecurities but also shedding the layers of his playboy image in favor of a more authentic self.
His relationship with Joy forces him to examine his past behavior and to acknowledge that he desires something deeper than casual encounters. For Joy, the process of self-acceptance is equally profound.
Throughout the story, she struggles with reconciling her independent, emotionally distant persona with the growing feelings she has for Dalton. Her fear of emotional vulnerability stems from past trauma, but as she opens herself up to Dalton, she begins to understand her own worth and the importance of accepting love from others.
The emotional walls she has built slowly come down, allowing her to embrace the possibility of a future with Dalton. Their connection ultimately becomes a catalyst for both characters to shed their fears and insecurities, fostering a journey of self-discovery and the courage to pursue a relationship grounded in genuine love and acceptance.
Love as Healing
Love in The Pucking Proposal is portrayed as a healing force, one that has the power to mend emotional wounds and promote personal growth. Dalton and Joy both enter their relationship with emotional baggage—Dalton with his fears about his fading career and his reputation as a playboy, and Joy with her deep-rooted trust issues.
Initially, their bond is purely physical, based on a quirky superstition and a casual arrangement. However, as they continue to interact, their relationship evolves into something far more meaningful.
The love they share gradually becomes the foundation upon which they both heal. For Dalton, Joy represents an emotional anchor that challenges him to open up and confront his feelings of inadequacy.
For Joy, Dalton becomes a symbol of unconditional love, helping her confront her own fears of betrayal and emotional pain. By the end of the story, their love transforms from something casual into a deep, enduring connection, illustrating how love can offer healing and redemption when two people are willing to face their emotional scars and grow together.
This theme highlights the transformative power of love, showing that, when approached with honesty and vulnerability, it can heal even the deepest wounds and create lasting change.
Balancing Professionalism and Personal Life
Throughout The Pucking Proposal, both Joy and Dalton face the challenge of balancing their professional lives with their personal relationships. Joy, as a sports reporter, is determined to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field, constantly working to prove herself and gain respect from her colleagues.
Her relationship with Dalton complicates her professional identity, as it risks undermining her credibility and making her vulnerable to gossip. Dalton, a professional athlete, also grapples with the pressures of his career, constantly battling the fear of aging out of the sport and losing his place on the team.
The tension between their personal and professional lives creates a backdrop for the development of their relationship. As their bond grows deeper, they must navigate the complexities of being public figures while maintaining their private connection.
This theme explores the difficulties of managing personal relationships in environments where success and public perception are constantly at odds. Both characters are forced to confront the conflict between their professional ambitions and their desire for love, ultimately learning that finding balance requires personal sacrifice and mutual support.